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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
STEWART, Gordon Clark - was born in Toronto , Ontario on July 6, 1934, to Reta and William Stewart. Gord was a brother to Glen, Joan (Dennis Arbour), and twins Don and Ron (Agnes ). The Stewart family moved to the Rouge Valley in Pickering. Gord enjoyed growing up in Morgan's Park, surrounded by the forests and the Rouge River. His admiration of nature and sense of adventure had begun.
Gordon served 5 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, achieving the rank of Leading Seaman; travelling a good part of the world.
During Gord's time with the RCN he met and fell in love with Norma Pierce of Melville Cove. They married in 1959 in Halifax.
Gord and his Bride moved to Scarborough Ontario where they raised their children:
Ramona ( Brian) McIntosh NS Jeff (Cheryl) Stewart ON Jennifer Stewart (Brent Waddingham) ON
Gord's promise to Norma was that one day they would return to Nova Scotia.
Gordie pursued a career in the printing folding carton industry that spanned 40 years. Many lifelong friendships were made.
Gord enjoyed many hobbies including a passion for horticulture that turned into a part time job, snowmobiling, scuba diving, and playing cards with a competitive nature.
Gord's adventures included summer family road trips including travels across Canada and throughout the USA. Traveling from Brimorton Dr., ON to the 'Farm', in the Annapolis Valley was an exciting 2 weeks. Many flat tires on the tent trailer taught the lesson; always replace your spare. We definitely learnt a few new words while traveling. On these trips Gordon kept a very regimented schedule much to the chagrin of the kids. Gordon's fire was stoked by road side picnics lovingly prepared by Norma.
Gordon was feeling a pull to return to Nova Scotia for his retirement but it wasn't to happen before he and Norma moved to Radisson NY, where Gordon continued his career; many strong friendships were made. Gord as a respected leader, continued to show his fair, honest integrity that he was known for in the printing trade.
The Fundy tides finally tugged at his maritime heart one last time and they retired in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. A promise fulfilled and a dream come true. Gord and Norma enjoyed another 30 wonderful years together. Whether at the cottage in Margaretsville or their house in Kingston they were "home".
Gordon loved showing off the beautiful province of Nova Scotia to anyone who visited. Because of his gift of the gab it seemed that he was often setting up a makeshift "tourist bureau" for any travellers looking for directions or recommended sites to take in.
During these years Gordon's adventurous spirit continued and he and Norma enjoyed many more travels: A camping trip to Newfoundland, winter trips to Florida. A trip to the UK and an emotional stop to visit Gord's grandfather's resting place, in France where he was lost in WW1. There was also a memorable trip on an Alaskan cruise. Planes, trains and automobiles brought Mom and Dad to visit their family in Ontario.. Day trips were often enjoyed to local markets, favourite beaches where dad loved to beach comb, enjoying the apple blossoms of the valley and the brilliant autumn colours.
Dad was amazed by technology and he embraced it as a way to stay in touch with friends and family. He was the cool Puppa that used social media with his grandchildren:
Robert (Alicia) McIntosh UK Ashley Stewart (Rob Wright) ON Great Granddaughter Vivian Wright Lindsay
McIntosh ( Matt Nail) ON Great
Granddaughter Eleanor Stewart Grace Waddingham ON
Happy times were shared at the cottage with Norma, us kids, grandchildren and friends. Highlights were dinner picnics on the shore, MacGyvering anything that needed to be fixed, playing sewer, partaking in the ice cream parlour at the Margaretsville community hall, naps in the sun where dad claimed he wasn't sleeping just resting his eyes,
Happy Hour on the deck, enjoying a "tot", and taking in the glory of Bay of Fundy sunsets.
During retirement, Gord was finally able to take up an interest in golf at the Greenwood Golf Club and Paragon Golf & Country Club, where he met many friends; Norma enjoyed being with them all. Dad also developed an interest in photography; ribbons were awarded on selected photos at the Lawrencetown Fair. Dad became an avid reader; journaling the many titles and authors.
Gord was an extremely proud veteran and this was demonstrated by his years of adorning the Veterans' graves at North Kingston Cemetery with a Canadian flag. Dad was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers for this service and he wore it proudly. Dad belonged to the Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association (ADPNA) and the Kingston Branch of the Canadian Legion. He participated in legion poppy sales every November and never missed a Remembrance Day service.
A great honour for Dad was being asked to sail on the HMCS Athabaskan's final sail in 2017. What a day, to be aboard her surrounded by Ships Company once again. In dad's words, "the day was filled with love, laughing, friendship, memories and new friends (shipmates)."
Family and friends meant the world to dad. In recent years, thanks to technology, dad was able to reconnect with comrades from his naval days. He was so excited to be in touch with them once again. Dad lived by the oath taken in the 1950's, once a comrade always a comrade.
Gordon was most proud of his 65 years of marriage and the life and love he shared with Norma, us kids and grandchildren. His love for us all was unwavering and we will carry it with us forever.
To know him was to love him.
Rest easy Dad, your watch is over.
Dad crossed the bar on March 2, 2025 with his family by his side.
Gord's family would like to thank: Close Neighbours and Friends, Annapolis Valley Palliative Care Team, VON Annapolis Valley, The 'Entire Team' at The Valley Hospice, Kentville.
Gord had requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Make-A-Wish Canada, Nova Scotia or Ontario chapter.
There will be no funeral. Gord's wishes, were to have a small graveside service with family and close friends at a later date. (Middleton Funeral Home)
Ships served in: * Enlisted 06 Jan 1955 HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1955-1956 HMCS MICMAC - Served in MICMAC Feb 1956 - Feb 1958 as an Able Seaman Torpedo Detector, RCN HMCS STADACONA - 1958-1959 HMCS ATHABASKAN - Served in ATHABASKAN 06 Jun 1959 - 23 Dec 1959 as a Leading Seaman Torpedo Detector, RCN HMCS STADACONA (Release Centre) - Drafted to STADACONA 24 Dec 1959 * Honourably Released 06 Jan 1960
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